Long Coronavirus Disease and the Brain: Molecular Neuroimaging Insights into Neurologic and Psychiatric Sequelae

To conclude, the neurologic impacts of COVID-19 represent a significant and emerging public health challenge. From acute conditions like strokes to persistent symptoms such as cognitive decline ,the effects of COVID-19 on the brain are diverse and complex. Neuroimaging studies, particularly those using FDG-PET, have revealed a characteristic pattern of hypometabolism associated with long COVID, offering crucial insights into the virus's impact on the brain, on regions also showing structural alterations on MR imaging studies. Understanding the mechanisms behind these neurologic and psychiatric effects, including the potential role of astrocyte dysfunction and gluta-mate dysregulation, is vital for developing effective treatments. Long-term studies and continued research will be essential to fully elucidate the brain changes associated with COVID-19 and to develop therapeutic strategies. As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing effects of the pandemic, addressing the neurologic and psychiatric consequences of COVID-19 must be a priority. By investing in research, health care infrastructure, and global cooperation, the scientific and medical community can work to mitigate the long-term effects of COVID-19 on brain health.